Yoga Anatomy Articles
This series of posts aims to make the latest yoga research simple and understandable so that you can apply it to your own teaching.
The yoga anatomy articles are organized into categories such as, Injuries, Postures, Your Questions, Yoga, Anatomy, Yoga Anatomy Research Project, and even Yoga Adjustments.
They are also broken down more specifically by muscles, bandhas, breathing, sit bone pain, shoulders, psoas, and knee pain.
Do Cooling Pranayama Techniques Actually Cool The Body?
David summarizes recent research which evaluates the effects of two pranayama techniques. Researchers found the pranayama techniques did not cool…
Should You Practice Yoga During Your Menstrual Cycle?
In this guest post, a long-time student of David’s gives suggestions of things to consider when practicing yoga during your…
What Is Jalandhara Bandha?
David describes anatomically what happens when we are in jalandhara bandha position and he explains how jalandhara bandha can help…
How Do I Modify Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana After Meniscus Surgery?
David offers suggestions for how to modify triang mukhaikapada paschimottanasana after meniscus surgery in the knee. Explore options for gentle…
Muscle Activation During Yoga Poses: Are There Sex Differences?
Recent research measured muscle activation in yoga postures. They found differences in muscle use among postures and between the sexes.…
The Anatomy Of The Lift Up And Jump Back Transition
David explains, anatomically, which muscles are key for initiating the challenging lift up and jump back transition in vinyasa styles…
Should You Land In Chaturanga Or Plank?
David explains why developing strength in serratus anterior and shoulder girdle stability is important whether you land in chaturanga or…
When To Use Belly Breathing Versus Breathing With Bandhas
David explains that belly breathing and breathing with bandhas create two different qualities. He shares why breathing with bandhas is…
Adjusting Downward Dog
David explains how to work with several different intentions in both the lower body and the upper body when adjusting…
Is Lotus Pose Anatomically Possible?
David explains the kinds of range of motion necessary to do full lotus pose. He shares that, while often challenging,…
What Are We Stretching In Yoga?
David answers a question about the possible mechanisms for what happens when we stretch in yoga with the intention to…
Why Can’t I Keep My Legs Straight In Navasana?
David explains why the relationship between strength and flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings is key to keeping the legs…
Can Yoga Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes?
David summarized research which reviewed a group of smaller studies and reported that yoga can help manage the symptoms of…
Should You Do Other Exercise Besides Yoga?
David answers the question: Should you do other exercise besides yoga? He explains why yoga offers some kinds of exercise…
How Do I Avoid Overworking The Upper Trapezius In The Ashtanga Practice?
Wondering how to avoid overworking the upper trapezius when jumping through and jumping back? Find out why a strong serratus…
Can Yoga Reduce Stress During Pregnancy And Improve Sleep?
David summarizes research which suggests that a simple maternity yoga practice reduces stress and improves sleep during pregnancy.…
What Is The Right Alignment In Chaturanga?
David explains why there is not one right alignment in chaturanga. He explains why some common cues for alignment in…
What Poses Will Strengthen Serratus Anterior?
David explains when other muscles might contribute to a winged scapula and how you can use sun salutations to strengthen…
Why Does Yoga Breathing Improve Our Health?
David summarizes research which suggests that activity by the parasympathetic nervous system, specifically the vagal nerve, is involved when we…
What Is The Correct Alignment For Your Hands In Upward Dog And Downward Dog?
David breaks down the common cues about how to align your hands in upward dog and downward dog. He explains…
Which Postures Strengthen Tensor Fascia Latae (TFL)?
Wondering how to strengthen the tensor fascia latae? Learn how the tensor fascia latae works in balance with other muscles…